Football/Soccer 3 Days

Last updated: May 27, 2026, 5:44 PM ET

USMNT WORLD CUP PREPARATIONS

USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino stayed true to himself when naming his 26-man World Cup roster, with midfielder Gio Reyna earning a spot due to his "amazing talent". Pochettino's selections could have a domino effect at the tournament, particularly in midfield where he took calculated risks. The squad includes a "Triple Espresso" reunion with forward Mallory Swanson returning for the first time since November childbirth, while defender Chris Richards is nearing fitness for the UEFA Conference League final pending a Wednesday decision. Meanwhile, Brazil legend Thiago Silva singled out John McGinn as Scotland's primary threat in World Cup preparations, highlighting the midfielder's troubling capabilities for the tournament.

EUROPEAN TRANSFER MELTDOWN

Barcelona have agreed a €70 million ($81. fee with Newcastle United for England forward Anthony Gordon, with the Spanish champions also making an offer "in the region of £70m". The deal comes as Barcelona sporting director Deco heralds a "beginning of era" for their young team. In contrast, Enzo Fernandez wants to leave Chelsea after European qualification failure, though any move would cost approximately £120m, while Manchester City prioritize signing Elliot Anderson despite Chelsea's £100m price tag on the Argentine midfielder. Liverpool's Andy Robertson is close to a move to Tottenham following his Anfield exit, and Arsenal are demanding £20m for Gabriel Jesus as they reshape their squad.

MANAGERIAL SHUFFLE ACROSS LEAGUES

The Philadelphia Union fired coach Bradley Carnell on Wednesday amid a front-office overhaul that included naming Jon Scheer as sporting director as the MLS club languishes in last place. Elsewhere, West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo will continue in his role despite the club's relegation from the Premier League, with Scott Parker and Gary O'Neil in the mix to replace him should he depart. Lazio head coach Maurizio Sarri left the Italian club by mutual consent after one year in charge, while Huddersfield Town appointed Martin Drury as their head coach in League One. Tottenham, meanwhile, launched a review focusing on their "unusual" spate of anterior cruciate ligament injuries following a season of fitness crises.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE & EUROPEAN DRAMA

Crystal Palace beat Rayo Vallecano to win the Conference League, securing their first ever European trophy after a dramatic campaign. The final was preceded by police ordering 60 Palace fans classified as "known troublemakers" to leave Leipzig, with two arrests made beforehand. Arsenal face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final with Sky Sports suggesting the Gunners can "go from nearly-men to double winners" after ending their Premier League title drought. Meanwhile, Barcelona's Lamine Yamal was named in Spain's squad for the World Cup, with Ronald Koeman expecting England to "gamble" on set-pieces at the tournament similar to how Arsenal secured the Premier League title.

WOMEN'S SOCCER DEVELOPMENTS

Utah Royals have soared to the top of the NWSL standings and power rankings, surprising analysts during the early season. However, the Chicago Stars fired general manager Richard Feuz amid another difficult start to the National Women's Soccer League campaign. The NWSL continues to face tensions between its business expansion and hardcore fans as "awkward and failed deals" have irked supporters. In transfer news, Barcelona icon Alexia Putellas is moving on this summer with a potential switch to London City Lionesses that would become the biggest signing in Women's Super League history. Manchester City have also made a surprise U-turn by keeping striker Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw, making her one of the highest paid players in the world after contract negotiations appeared dead.

WORLD Cup SQUADS & INJURIES

Colombia national team manager Nestor Lorenzo named his 26-player World Cup roster with James Rodriguez and Luis Diaz headlining the squad. Meanwhile, DR Congo fans seeking to watch their nation's return to the World Cup face major hurdles as the US imposes travel restrictions following the latest Ebola outbreak. Canada coach Jesse Marsch signed a new four-year contract just over two weeks before the 2026 tournament begins, though he admitted captain Alphonso Davies is unlikely to be ready for the opener due to injury. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni faces concerns beyond Messi regarding player fitness, while Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum has "no issue" with her country hosting Iran's World Cup team after its training base was moved from the US to Mexico.

PREMIER LEAGUE WIND-DOWN

The 2025-26 Premier League season concluded with Pep Guardiola leaving Manchester City as the division's second-most successful manager. In a farewell celebration, basketball legend Michael Jordan headlined the cast of stars paying tribute to Guardiola's achievements. Norwich City captain Kenny McLean signed a new two-year contract with the Championship club, while Coventry's Frank Lampard was named LMA manager of the year after guiding the team back to the Premier League. BBC Sport presented alternative Premier League tables analyzing set-pieces, xG, long shots, and other metrics, while Liverpool's record £415m summer spree was assessed for its impact on the season.